Guide to Vietnam Temporary Residence Card

In recent years, the global trade war has highlighted its impact on economies, making Vietnam a prime destination for companies relocating production. Understanding the Temporary Residence Card is key for those exploring business opportunities or new markets. Recently updated to attract tourism and foreign investment, the TRC is essential for long-term stays and vital for personal and business extensions in Vietnam.

Need help with a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam? Check out InCorp Vietnam’s Immigration Services

What is a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam?

Article 3 of Law No. 47/2014/QH13 on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam in 2014 clearly defines the Vietnam temporary residence card. A temporary residence card is a document issued by an immigration management agency or a competent agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to a foreigner who is allowed to reside for a time in Vietnam.

A temporary residence card (TRC) allows foreigners to stay, work, conduct business, study, or research for extended periods without the risk of deportation. It also serves as an identity document and an entry visa for traveling to and from Vietnam and within the country. This eliminates the need for visa renewals or extensions each time they travel.

The TRC is essential for various administrative tasks, such as opening bank accounts, securing long-term telecommunications services, and obtaining insurance.

Unlike a Permanent Residence Card (PRC), the TRC has more lenient eligibility criteria. Non-compliance, such as not having a TRC or overstaying, can lead to imprisonment.

Eligibility for Foreigners to Get a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card

In Vietnam, a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) allows foreign nationals to live and work for an extended period. Eligible individuals include

Those who own a single-member limited liability company or are members of a multi-member limited liability company.
Licensed lawyers who are authorized to practice in Vietnam by the Ministry of Justice can obtain a TRC.
Foreign nationals who possess valid work permits, regardless of the business type or if they are associated with representative offices of foreign companies, are also eligible.
Furthermore, professionals, trainees, and students participating in programs sanctioned by the Vietnamese government can apply for a TRC.

Eligibility extends to foreigners involved in corporate governance, such as members of the board of directors of stock corporations and those who hold ownership in single-member limited liability companies (excluding authorized representatives). TRCs are also available to immediate family members – including parents, spouses, and children – who are already holding temporary residences in Vietnam.

This framework helps foreign nationals integrate into Vietnam’s society and economy, supporting international ties and cultural exchange.

Foreign nationals seeking a temporary residence card in Vietnam must adhere to specific prerequisites:

They should possess a passport that is valid for at least 13 months.
The duration of the temporary residence card is set to be 30 days shorter than the passport’s validity. Therefore, a passport with 13 months of validity will result in a temporary residence card that lasts for a maximum of 12 months.
Those wishing for a longer validity of their residence card should renew their passport before applying.
Foreigners must complete temporary residence registration at the local commune or ward police station as per the regulations.

Certain individuals, such as those with criminal records or outstanding financial responsibilities, are ineligible for a TRC.

Vietnam Temporary Residence Card: Requirements & Procedure

Under the 2015 Immigration Law, foreigners seeking a temporary residence card (TRC) must apply through the Ministry of Affairs.

To obtain a TRC, applicants must submit several key documents, and it is essential to note that any documents not in Vietnamese must be translated and notarised following Vietnamese Immigration Law. These documents include the following:

A written request for a TRC
A personal declaration form from the applicant
The applicant’s passport, which must contain a valid visa
Additional documents, specific to the applicant’s situation in Vietnam, such as
- Business sponsor records
- Investment certificates
- Residence registration
- Work permits
- Business registration certificates
- Licenses for representative offices
- Company seal registration certificates
- Company branch documentation
- Proof of familial relationships (e.g., marriage and birth certificates).

Below, we have discussed the step-by-step process to get TRC in Vietnam

Step 1: Prepare the application dossier as per legal requirements.

Step 2: Dossier Submission

Submit the prepared documents to the Ministry of Public Security or the local Immigration Department in Vietnam. Make sure to include notarized translations for any non-Vietnamese documents.

Step 3: Receiving the Result

After submission, the authorities will review the application. Processing typically takes 7-10 business days, depending on the complexity of the case and the submitted documents.

Upon approval, you will receive the Temporary Residence Card (TRC). The card is typically valid for 1-3 years, based on your work or business status, and can be renewed.

Upon receiving your TRC, ensure you complete the temporary residence registration at your local commune or ward police station.

Duration and Validity of Vietnam’s Temporary Residence Card

The processing time for a temporary residence card (TRC) in Vietnam is 5 to 7 working days after receiving all necessary documents. A TRC is valid for 1 to 3 years, but its duration cannot exceed the validity of the applicant’s passport.

Additionally, foreigners with valid passports for less than one year are ineligible to receive a TRC. This card allows for extended stays and can be extended beyond its initial period.

Fees for Granting Temporary Residence Cards to Foreigners

According to the Fee and Fee Schedule issued together with Circular No. 219/2016/TT-BTC dated November 10, 2016, of the Ministry of Finance, the fee for making temporary residence cards for foreigners is:

US$145/ card for a temporary residence card valid for 1 to 2 years;
US$155/ card for a temporary residence card valid for 2 to 5 years;
The cost for a two-year temporary residence card is US$550.

How can InCorp Vietnam help?

InCorp Vietnam is a cross-border advisory firm specializing in visa applications in Vietnam, particularly the Vietnam Temporary Residence Card.

Applying for a residency card in Vietnam can be complex and exhausting. To alleviate this, InCorp Vietnam employs a dedicated team of experts and uses an efficient system to ensure your application process is quick and seamless.

Beyond visa services, it possesses deep expertise and provides a broad range of services to assist foreign investors in establishing their businesses in Vietnam.

InCorp Vietnam is a leading provider of global market entry services. We are part of InCorp group, a regional leader in corporate solutions, that encompasses 8 countries in Asia-Pacific, headquartered in Singapore.